Genesis 46:30
Genesis 46:30 in Multiple Translations
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, that thou art yet alive.
And Israel said to Joseph, Now that I have seen you living again, I am ready for death.
“Now I can die in peace because I have seen your face again and know you're still alive,” Israel told Joseph.
And Israel sayde vnto Ioseph, Now let me die, since I haue seene thy face, and that thou art yet aliue.
and Israel saith unto Joseph, 'Let me die this time, after my seeing thy face, for thou [art] yet alive.'
Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”
And Israel said to Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
And the father said to Joseph: Now shall I die with joy, because I have seen thy face, and leave thee alive.
Jacob said to Joseph, “I have seen you and I know that you are still alive! So now I am ready to die.”
Then Jacob said to his son Joseph, “Now I have seen you again, and I know that you are still alive. That’s the only thing I wanted. So I’m ready to die now.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:30
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 46:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
אֶל
יוֹסֵ֖ף
אָמ֣וּתָה
הַ/פָּ֑עַם
אַחֲרֵי֙
רְאוֹתִ֣/י
אֶת
פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ
כִּ֥י
עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
חָֽי
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אָמ֣וּתָה
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-1cs
הַ/פָּ֑עַם
paʻam
H6471
beat
Art | N-fs
אַחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
רְאוֹתִ֣/י
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
חָֽי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:30
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אָמ֣וּתָה
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
הַ/פָּ֑עַם
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
אַחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
רְאוֹתִ֣/י
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
חָֽי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 46:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 46:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:30
- Sermons on Genesis 46:30
Context — Jacob Arrives in Egypt
28Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen,
29Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.
30Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
31Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. 32The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:29–30 | “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, |
| 2 | Genesis 45:28 | “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.” |
Genesis 46:30 Summary
[Israel was overjoyed to see his son Joseph again after thinking he was dead, and now he feels like he can finally die in peace, knowing that Joseph is alive and well. This shows us the depth of a father's love and the importance of family relationships, as seen in Genesis 46:30. It also reminds us that for believers, death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life, as mentioned in Philippians 1:21. Israel's story teaches us to cherish our time with loved ones and to trust in God's plan, even in difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Israel mean by saying he can finally die after seeing Joseph's face?
Israel is expressing the deep satisfaction and joy of being reunited with his beloved son Joseph, and now he feels that his life is complete and he can die in peace, knowing that Joseph is alive and well, as seen in Genesis 46:30.
Why is Israel's statement significant in the context of the story?
Israel's statement highlights the depth of his love for Joseph and the pain he had endured thinking his son was dead, as mentioned in Genesis 37:35, and now he can finally find closure and peace.
How does this verse relate to the theme of family and relationships in the Bible?
This verse shows the importance of family relationships in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 46:30, and how they can bring great joy and comfort, as also mentioned in Psalm 133:1, where it talks about the blessing of brothers dwelling together in unity.
What can we learn from Israel's attitude towards death in this verse?
Israel's statement teaches us that for a believer, death is not something to be feared, but rather a transition to eternal life, as seen in Philippians 1:21, where it says that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in your life that bring you deep joy and satisfaction, and how can you express gratitude to God for them?
- How can you relate to Israel's feeling of completion and peace after being reunited with a loved one, and what can you learn from his example?
- What are some relationships in your life that are precious to you, and how can you nurture and prioritize them, just like Israel prioritized his relationship with Joseph?
- How can you find comfort and peace in the face of death, just like Israel did, and what does this say about your faith and trust in God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:30
And Israel said unto Joseph,.... He broke silence first: now let me die, since I have seen thy face; not that he was impatient to die, and not desirous to live any longer; for it could not but yield
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:30
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Joseph made ready his chariot.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
Now I expect no greater happiness upon earth, and therefore am content to die. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
Genesis 46:30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou [art] yet alive.Ver. 30. Vow let me die.] What would this good old man have said, had he seen Christ in the flesh, which was one of Augustine’ s three wishes? How merrily would he have sung out his soul, as Simeon did, who had long looked for the consolation of Israel; and having now laid in his heart what he lapt in his arms, cries, "Nunc dimittis Domine": I fear no sin, I dread no death (as one Englisheth it): I have lived enough, I have my life: I have longed enough, I have my love: I have seen enough, I have my light: I have served enough, I have my saint: I have sorrowed enough, I have my joy. Sweet babe! let this song serve for a lullaby to thee, and a funeral for me. Oh, sleep in my arms; and let me sleep in thy peace. Because thou art yet alive.] If this were so great a matter to Jacob, what should it be to us, that Christ was dead, and is alive; yea, that he ever lives to make request for us; and that he stands at the right hand of his Father, when any Stephen of his is stoned, as ready prest to interpose between them and any harm that may thereby come unto them! If Seneca could say to his Polybius, Fas tibi non est, salvo Caesare de fortuna tun queri; how much less cause have we to complain, so long as Christ is alive! Can our hearts die within us, while our head is the Lord of life, yea, "our life," as St Paul calls him? Optavit se videre potuisse Romam in flore, Paulum in ore, Christum in corpore.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
(30) Now let me die.—Heb., I would die this time (Genesis 2:23), after I have seen thy face, &c. Calmly will Jacob wait for death now that the great longing of his soul has been satisfied.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 46:30
Verse 30. Now let me die, since I have seen thy face] Perhaps old Simeon had this place in view when, seeing the salvation of Israel, he said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, &c., Lu 2:29.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:30
28–34. Jacob’s Meeting with Joseph (J, E) This passage follows upon Genesis 46:1-5.
Sermons on Genesis 46:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Child Is This? Song of Virgin Mary by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat. The speaker describes how Mary's soul magnifies the Lord, making the unseen God great in the |
|
Simeon's Farewell to the World by John Piper | John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing |
|
Directions for Heavenly Contemplation by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of meditation as a means for the soul to digest truth from the Bible, turning belief into action and transforming the mind into strong will |
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Unbroken Fellowship Essential by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Despotes' in the Bible, emphasizing its representation of ownership and authority, both in the secular and spiritual realms. While the term |
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Exposition on Psalm 67 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of confessing and praising God, emphasizing the blessings that come from both God blessing us and us blessing the Lord. He highlights th |
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Having Nothing, Yet Possessing Everything by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true grace allows believers to find complete satisfaction in Christ alone, regardless of their earthly circumstances such as honor, wealth, or relatio |